weekly September 5, 2023, Issue 874
Fantasy Label Draft 2023
Six new team owners take their shot at creating the ultimate record company roster and – plot twist – one of them is last year’s Fantasy Label Draft commissioner. This year’s six rounds offered the predictable (Morgan Wallen, first overall), surprises (UMGN’s Donna Hughes upped to Label President) and one winner of tickets to an upcoming Sam Hunt show – Stephanie from Raleigh! Before introducing this year’s ownership group, a winner must be crowned from the 2022 draft: KAWO/Boise Brand Mgr. Kyle Matthews, who saw an otherwise inconsistent roster carried by his Wallen and Bailey Zimmerman picks (see last year’s teams here). Receiving his (imaginary) trophy, Matthews says, “I stand before you today, overwhelmed with gratitude Kyle Matthews and excitement, as I accept this incredible honor of ... [Ed. Note: blah, blah, blah] ... extend my heartfelt thanks to [blah, blah, Greg Thompson, Lauren Thomas, blah] ... a journey that challenged my creativity, pushed the boundaries of [blah, blah, blah] ... a victory for me and an inspiration for aspiring fantasy label creators worldwide ...” Read the full speech and cure insomnia here. And The Six: For 2023, the team owners – in randomly assigned draft order – are KUZZ/Bakersfield PD Brent Michaels, Westwood One Exec. Producer Jackie Stevens, WQDR/Raleigh PD Mike Biddle, B-Dub Radio’s Bryan “B-Dub” Washington, The Big 615 MD Monta Vaden and WKRO/Daytona Beach APD/MD Brad Thornton. Yes, Country Aircheck defector alum Vaden would appear to have the inside track, having served as FLD commissioner the last several years. Accidentally Luckily, the new/old commissioner made several typos alterations to the rules, thwarting Vaden’s advantage. “Everything I built, ruined!” she complained. Stevens replied, “You were too inside. It’s only fair to the rest of us!” Speaking of rules, the teams are comprised of an Entertainer, Male, Female, Rookie (never had a CA/MB No. 1), as well as a President and VP. Points are awarded for airplay, airplay milestones and major awards. Of note: The Entertainer category has supplanted the Duo/Group category, giving team owners more flexibility with their picks. Except for Vaden, who chose Dan + Shay for Duo/Group before (continued on page 5)
Well, I Knox And Knox: Big Loud’s Hardy and Broken Bow’s Lainey Wilson are surprised with platinum No.1 plaques for “Wait In The Truck” backstage in Knoxville, TN Thursday (8/31).
20-Year Source Of Inspiration
Dedicated to championing “Women Behind The Music,” Source Nashville hosted its 20th annual Hall of Fame Awards last week (8/29). While the event celebrated current honorees – Marcie Allen, Renee Bell, Janice Jackson, Jackie Patillo, Becky Shanks, Denise Stiff and Valerie Summers (CAT 3/7) – the milestone also reinforces the importance of the Source mission. Shelia Shipley-Biddy, Pat Rolfe and Judy Harris founded the invitation-only organization in 1991 to share information, professional contacts, career opportunities and education. The awards evening was established in 2003 by Kay Smith and has honored more than 150 women to date. “We never dreamed Source would make the impact it has,” Harris says.
© 2 0 2 3 Co u n t r y A i rc h e c k ™ — A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d . S i g n u p f re e a t w w w. c o u n t r y a i rc h e c k . c o m . S e n d n e w s t o n e w s @ c o u n t r y a i r c h e c k . c o m